Harold Michael "Mike" Snyder, Jr.

“Harold Michael “Mike” Snyder Jr., 79, of Topeka, Kansas, passed away Sunday, January 18, 2026, at Rolling Hills Nursing Home.

He was born August 10, 1946, in Zanesville, Ohio, and raised in New Lexington, Ohio. He was the son of Harold Snyder and Theo Curl Snyder and the oldest of five siblings.

Mike graduated from New Lexington High School in 1965, where he excelled in pole vaulting and set a school record, clearing nearly 15 feet — an accomplishment he was very proud of. As a young man, he spent many weekends working on Uncle Bill’s farm, which helped shape his strong work ethic and lifelong love of machinery.

After graduation, Mike joined the United States Air Force and served from September 1966 to 1970, stationed at Forbes Field AFB in Topeka, Kansas. While in Kansas, he met and married Delores. They later divorced. After his service, he returned to New Lexington before moving to Georgia, and later, following the passing of his parents, he moved to Kentucky. Eventually, he settled back in Kansas with his children and grandchildren.

Mike spent his life working in construction and heavy equipment operation. He was known for being funny, quiet, hardworking, and stubborn in his own way. He had a deep love for tractors and was especially fond of his John Deere tractors. He competed in tractor pulls and proudly won several first-place trophies, accomplishments he displayed with great pride.

He is survived by his daughter, Nicole A. Snyder (Blair) of Topeka, Kansas; his son, Damion L. Snyder (Kelly) of Topeka, Kansas; his siblings, Cindy Wakefield, Cathy Cossin, Matt Snyder, and Andrea Snyder Robison; his grandchildren, Halie, Jadie, Jarin, Hadin, and Chloe; and five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold Snyder and Theo Curl Snyder.

A Veterans Memorial Service will be held May 15 at 1:30 p.m. at the Memorial Wall at Leavenworth National Cemetery. This will be a small, intimate gathering.

Mike will be remembered for his quiet strength, his hardworking spirit, his stubborn determination, and the pride he took in his tractors and his family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.”